Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mrs. Mainga Kabika has challenged beneficiaries of the Supporting Women Livelihoods (SWL) program to think big and grow their clubs and cooperatives to sustainable levels.
Speaking at a recent gathering in Mporokoso district, Mrs. Kabika emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting women in agriculture and economic empowerment.
“We want you to grow your cooperatives to a point where your children will inherit them,” she said. “Government is here to serve and help you realise your dreams, but we need you to be serious and dedicated.”
Mrs. Kabika announced that in addition to support of the GEWEL Project, women in economic empowerment programs will receive startup packages, including livestock, along with training on business management.
She emphasised that the government will not dictate what businesses to venture into, but rather encourage women to come up with their own ideas.
The speech which was received by accolades, was met with suggestions from the women, with some expressing interest in venturing into agriculture and others into livestock.
The beneficiaries commended Mrs. Kabika and acknowledged the positive impact of the programs on their lives.
Women Ecomonic Empowerment which is implemented by the Gender Division is part of the government’s efforts to empower women in agriculture and improve their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Mrs Kabika is leading a team in targeted districts in Northern and Luapula Provinces, to conduct the Monitoring and Evaluation exercise ascertaining the extent to which the Girls Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) projects has benefited the target groups.
So far, the team has completed the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) exercise in several districts, including Kasama, Mungwi, Kaputa, Mporokoso, Luwingu, Kawanbwa, Chipili, and Mansa, with a few remaining districts to be covered.
Although there’s still more to be done in addressing the needs of women, men, girls and boys, significant progress has been seen on the ground through the GEWEL project.
With beneficiaries attesting that the project is indeed a step in the right direction, imploring governments to extend the leaf of kindness to other people who are currently facing economic challenges.
GD MEDIA TEAM.
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